Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 19, 2026
Collection, Expansion, and Differentiation of Primary Human Nasal Epithelial Cell Models for Quantification of Cilia Beat Frequency
Published on: November 10, 2021
Mupirocin reduces ciliary beat frequency of human nasal epithelial cells
R Birk1, C Aderhold2, A Wenzel2
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Mannheim, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167, Mannheim, Germany. richard.birk@umm.de.
Abstract:
Mupirocin is used worldwide for topical treatment of infected skin lesions, impetigo, and especially for nasal decolonization of patients with carriage of Staphylococci, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Nevertheless, data regarding the effects of mupirocin on the nasal mucosa, in particular on ciliary beat frequency (CBF), is lacking to date. We tested the CBF of ciliated nasal epithelial cells under the influence of Mupirocin-calcium dissolved in tert-butyl alcohol (TBA) containing media in different concentrations comparable to clinical use. Ringer's lactate solution and TBA served as negative control. Cells were visualized with a phase contrast microscope, and the CBF was measured with the SAVA system's region of interest method. Mupirocin-calcium dissolved in TBA led to a statistically significant time- and concentration-dependent decrease in CBF compared to the negative control. TBA addition without mupirocin also led to a significant decrease in CBF, although to a lesser extent than mupirocin/TBA. In conclusion, CBF of human nasal epithelia is significantly reduced by mupirocin-calcium-containing solutions in therapeutic concentrations. Due to our results in this study, mupirocin as a nasal decolonization agent should be used only with care, with a strictly set medical indication, and additional care measures should be considered.
Insights
Mupirocin nasal decolonization significantly reduces ciliary beat frequency (CBF) in nasal epithelial cells. This suggests careful use of mupirocin is necessary, with strict medical indications and added precautions.
Area of Science:
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Mupirocin is a widely used topical antibiotic for skin infections and Staphylococci nasal decolonization.
- Data on mupirocin's impact on nasal mucosa, specifically ciliary beat frequency (CBF), is limited.
- Nasal ciliary function is crucial for mucociliary clearance and respiratory health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of mupirocin-calcium on the ciliary beat frequency (CBF) of human nasal epithelial cells.
- To determine if therapeutic concentrations of mupirocin impact nasal mucosa function.
Main Methods:
- Human nasal epithelial cells were exposed to mupirocin-calcium dissolved in tert-butyl alcohol (TBA) at various concentrations.
- Ciliary beat frequency (CBF) was measured using phase contrast microscopy and the SAVA system.
- Ringer's lactate solution and TBA alone served as negative controls.
Main Results:
- Mupirocin-calcium in TBA caused a significant, time- and concentration-dependent decrease in CBF.
- Tert-butyl alcohol (TBA) alone also reduced CBF, but to a lesser extent than mupirocin/TBA.
- These findings indicate a detrimental effect of mupirocin solutions on ciliary function.
Conclusions:
- Mupirocin-calcium solutions at therapeutic concentrations significantly reduce CBF in human nasal epithelia.
- The use of mupirocin for nasal decolonization warrants caution, requiring strict medical indications and supplementary protective measures.
- Further research into the long-term effects and alternative decolonization strategies may be needed.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:22Microbiome of the Eye
01:16Drugs Used in Upper Respiratory Disorders: Overview
Antihistamines (e.g., Benadryl) block histamines from binding. Histamines are chemicals released during an allergic reaction in the body. As a...